Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Dorothea Tanning. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a lithograph from a 1950 portfolio of seven works by Dorothea Tanning, a versatile artist known for her contributions to Surrealism across multiple mediums.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a faceless woman in a long dress standing before an open, tall rectangular door with a central keyhole. She holds a key, inviting interpretation. The scene conveys an aura of mystery, suggesting an threshold to the unknown.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the work showcases Tanning's adherence to Surrealist techniques. A muted, mottled gray background with subtle texture evokes a sense of rough, stone-like depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1950, this lithograph is part of Tanning's exploration of printmaking within her broader Surrealist practice, which spanned painting, sculpture, and writing.
Context
Emerging from the European Surrealist movement, Tanning's work, including this piece, reflects the movement's themes while contributing to her diverse artistic output.
Legacy
As part of Tanning's oeuvre, *Untitled* contributes to the artist's legacy of exploring the subconscious and mystery through various artistic mediums, influencing subsequent generations of artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dorothea Margaret Tanning (25 August 1910 – 31 January 2012) was an American painter, printmaker, sculptor, writer, and poet. Her early work was influenced by European Surrealism.
